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Pacific waterleaf

Hydrophyllum

tenuipes

A member of the family Hydrophyllaceae (“waterleaf”), which includes a number of herbaceous perennials in North America. This species is one of three waterleaf species in BC, the other two being “Fendler’s” and “ballhead” waterleaf. Population sizes range from small clonal patches of approximately 1 m2 to extensive colonies.

Height 20-80 cm. A deciduous perennial with solitary flowering stems. The basal, hairy leaves with long stalks are the most distinctive feature. The leaf blade is divided into 5 (rarely up to 9) toothed leaflets, with all but the lowermost pair joined together. Flowers are tiny funnel-shaped in compact clusters 5-7 mm long. Flower colour ranges from greenish-white to blue or purple. The stamens (male sexual structures) are very noticeable and extend past the petals. After flowering, tiny round capsules develop, each containing one to three seeds.